Thursday, July 10, 2014

Peshlakai advocates for creation of Grand Canyon Watershed National Monument

Peshlakai advocates for creation of Grand Canyon Watershed National Monument

STATE
CAPITOL, PHOENIX – Rep. Jamescita Peshlakai, D-Cameron (District 7),
recently added her name to a letter sent to President Barack Obama, urging him
to establish the Grand Canyon Watershed National Monument.

The
proposed national monument would be located within the Kaibab Plateau in the
Grand Canyon watershed region.

“The
Grand Canyon is a sacred site for many Native American nations,” Peshlakai
said. “It has both cultural and environmental significance. The Kaibab Plateau
alone is home to 22 sensitive plants and animals, some of which can’t be found
anywhere else in the world. It is an invaluable resource and must be kept
safe.”

The
letter called for the president to use his authority under the Antiquities Act
to protect the Grand Canyon’s watershed by establishing it as a national
monument. It also outlined several key threats to the area, such as:

Uranium mining

Loss of habit connections for
wildlife

Logging of ancient trees

Irresponsible off-road vehicle
use

Unsustainable livestock grazing

“Making
this region a national monument will protect it, which will ensure it is
respected and taken care of for generations to come,” Peshlakai said.
“Regardless of when the president acts, I will continue to advocate for
safeguarding this region.”